Anne Lok, B. Arch M.S. AAD Salesperson

Pre-approvals and rate holds have been a standard offering with most lenders. I recently received a newsletter from a mortgage broker I work closely with in Toronto [Rosanna Younan from Premiere Mortgage Centre], informing me that two big lenders, TD and FirstLine (part of CIBC) have decided to stop pre-approvals within the broker ...

Some of you may be aware of tax cuts and incentives for homeowners currently proposed by the Federal Government. The Home Renovation Tax Credit for new home buyers and homeowners are available till February 1,2010:15% tax credit will apply to eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired, before Feb. 1, 2010. The ...

The federal budget has been top of mind for many.   Included in the announcement are the following measures which directly affect the Canadian housing and mortgage industry. Home renovation tax credit of up to $1,350 for eligible renovations and alterations; Increase in the RSP Home Buyers Plan maximum withdrawal limit - the amount has ...

The ongoing credit issues have caused mortgage lenders to review their lending criteria, and they have become stricter allowing fewer approvals on an exception basis.  The credit bureau report is a very important tool used by lenders. There are always a few situations, either due to illness, previous unemployment or marital issues where a ...

Other than your monthly mortgage, here is a list of ongoing cost that should be accounted for as part of your monthly expenses after your take possession of your new home:·         Property Tax ·         Heating (if ...

I once showed several properties to a First Time Buyer couple, 2 of which they liked very much.Property A had a hold back date and Property B was accepting offers anytime. With the competitve market, they don't want to take any chances of losing both properties. The couple wanted to place an offer at both properties at the same time, betting ...

"I am thinking of buying, but I think I am going to wait till the market cools a bit..."                                   Your decision of buying and selling is a ...

In Ontario, federal programs and incentives are always being offered to encourage homeowners and buyers of resale homes to carry out eco-retrofit. Consumers have to make sure they mail in their coupons, and fill out any applications/paperwork to benefit from the savings from these Government incentives. The information can be ...

Many first time buyers are too worried about being able to find a home they can afford, and are neglecting the cost savings options they have in the green real estate market. Sourcing an energy efficient home can lower energy bill and benefit from cost savings in the long run. I recently contributed to a real estate article for the Globe and Mail ...